Wrought iron is a versatile metal material that can be used both indoors and outdoors for everything from furniture to architectural accents. When choosing colors to complement wrought iron pieces, there are a few key factors to consider to create a cohesive and stylish look.
The Nature of Wrought Iron
Wrought iron has a natural dark charcoal gray color and aged, textured appearance. This rugged, raw look means it pairs well with colors that complement its earthy tones. Wrought iron has an inherent charm and old-world feel, so colors that enhance a traditional, classic, or rustic style work best.
Color palettes that work with wrought iron
Here are some color palettes that beautifully coordinate with the look of wrought iron:
| Color Palette | Description |
|---|---|
| Neutrals | Shades of black, gray, brown, tan, cream |
| Earth tones | Rich terra cotta, clay, sage greens, mossy shades |
| Naturals | Organic hues like bamboo, timber, stone |
| Pastels | Soft powdery hues like blush, lavender, butter |
| Jewel tones | Deep gem tones like emerald, sapphire, garnet |
Below we’ll take a deeper look at why these shades and hues pair so elegantly with wrought iron.
Neutrals
Neutral shades are versatile basics that act as a subtle backdrop that lets the texture of wrought iron take center stage. Creams, tans, taupes, and lighter browns enhance wrought iron’s natural dark charcoal color. While stark whites can feel too harsh, softer neutral colors create balance. For indoor use, pair wrought iron with cappuccino walls, dove gray linen upholstery, or creamy natural stone. Outdoors, mix wrought iron with sandstone, weathered wood, concrete, or neutral colored shutters.
Earth Tones
With their raw, organic hues, earth tones beautifully complement the natural aura of wrought iron. Burnt sienna, olive green, mustard yellow, and clay-based reds and oranges look stunning with dark wrought iron. Use wrought iron furnishings and accents outdoors alongside clay pots, timber benches, and planters overflowing with ornamental grasses. Indoors, match wrought iron light fixtures, candle holders, and table bases with terra cotta floors, brick backsplashes, and textured area rugs in deep mossy hues.
Naturals
Bringing the colors of nature indoors or out is a lovely way to accent the handcrafted appeal of wrought iron. Mix wrought iron deck furnishings with stone and wood decking. Or pair an iron chandelier with an indoor water feature and decor in hues of sand, oak, and driftwood. Display wrought iron wall hooks or candle sconces atop exposed wood beams or paneling. Wrought iron’s dark color and artisanal look perfectly suits the raw, organic beauty of natural colors and materials.
Pastels
Though extremely different in look and feel from wrought iron, soft pastel hues can make an unexpected complementary pairing. Powdery shades of blush, lavender, butter yellow, or pale sage green create a pretty juxtaposition against dark wrought iron. The inherent femininity of pastels contrasts beautifully with the masculine ruggedness of iron. Use pastels in upholstery, pillows, drapes or other soft furnishings alongside wrought iron frames, tables, or chairs. As an accent palette, pastels lend a lightness to balance wrought iron’s heft.
Jewel Tones
Looking for drama? Pairing wrought iron with rich, saturated jewel tones is a bold choice that really makes a statement. Deep gem-inspired hues like ruby, emerald, sapphire, and amethyst glow against the dark iron backdrop. Iron balcony railings and balustrades pop against an azure painted front door. An iron chandelier drips with jewels over a dining table decorated in garnet and goldenrod. For indoor and outdoor spaces seeking a moodier, bolder attitude, few color choices create as much impact as jewel tones against wrought iron.
Tips for Combining Colors with Wrought Iron
When matching colors to wrought iron, keep these tips in mind:
- Select 2-3 main colors for a cohesive look
- Add small pops of contrasting colors for accents
- Repeat your color palette in multiple elements like walls, furnishings, decor
- Anchor a color scheme with lots of neutrals and natural materials
- Use color to create the mood you want – warm, soothing, dramatic, elegant
With an endless variety of shades to work with, the real challenge is narrowing down color choices. Some favorite pairings for wrought iron include:
Wrought Iron + Cream + Terracotta
This earthy combo brings a warm, welcoming vibe. Cream walls and upholstery allow the terra cotta floors and wrought iron furnishings to pop.
Wrought Iron + Sage Green + Sand
Relaxed and organic, this nature-inspired palette looks quietly elegant. Sage green walls with wrought iron lighting fixtures and cream upholstery accented by sandstone tiles.
Wrought Iron + Royal Purple + Gold
Luxurious and ornate, the blend of rich purple and metallic gold with wrought iron creates instant drama and glamour. Use in dining spaces or bedrooms.
How Color Changes the Mood of Wrought Iron
Beyond just aesthetics, surrounding wrought iron pieces with different colors can dramatically shift the mood and tone:
- Neutrals – Calm, subtle, soothing
- Naturals – Casual, organic, welcoming
- Jewel Tones – Dramatic, opulent, romantic
- Pastels – Soft, feminine, whimsical
- Earth Tones – Warm, rustic, Craftsman
So if your wrought iron furnishings need to convey a formal tone, jewel tones are a great supporting color scheme. But if you want a more relaxed outdoor patio set, surround it with naturals like timber, stone, and greenery instead.
Where to Use Wrought Iron + Color in Your Home
Now that you know what colors suit wrought iron, consider where you might incorporate this material paired with complementary hues.
Entryways
Paint your front door a rich shade like emerald and outfit it with wrought iron handles and light fixtures. Or opt for a simple white door with neutral walls and a wrought iron bench or console table in the foyer.
Kitchens
Add a wrought iron chandelier over your breakfast nook or above the kitchen island. Use wrought iron barstools at your counter or install wrought iron shelves for displaying cookbooks and dishes.
Bathrooms
Wrought iron lighting, mirrors, towel bars, and shelves have an artisanal touch perfect for bathrooms. Pair with natural stone walls and floors.
Dining Rooms
From wrought iron chairs or table bases to chandeliers and sconces, this material works beautifully in formal and casual dining rooms. Surround with color through jewel toned drapes, warm paint hues, or by displaying vibrant pottery.
Patios & Decks
Wrought iron outdoor chairs, tables, planters, and pergolas have an architectural elegance. Enhance the look with flower boxes, patterned throw pillows, and outdoor rugs.
Garden Accents
Bring personality to your garden by adding wrought iron plant stands, obelisks, trellises, arbors, and art pieces. Paint or surround with flowers in compatible colors.
Conclusion
With its timeworn, handcrafted appeal, few materials blend as seamlessly into period architecture and decor as wrought iron. Thankfully something so versatile also pairs beautifully with a wide spectrum of colors and materials. Whether you prefer an interior filled with the soft warmth of creams, earth tones, and timber, or a bolder exterior with jewel toned doors against weathered stone walls, wrought iron fits right in. With a little creativity, this classic metal can be mixed, matched, and blended into any style or setting.
